Bob Testo, who served in the mayoral administration of John Mandanici, enjoyed an eclectic lifestyle that brought him from Bridgeport to a job with the New York Yankees that produced a World Series ring.
His obituary follows:
Robert James Testo Jr (Bob), age 76, passed away on September 14, 2024, in New Port Richey, FL. with his loving family by his side. Born on April 4, 1948, in Bridgeport, CT, Bob was the eldest of 12 siblings and a beloved figure in his community and among his extensive family. In the early years Bob grew up in the Hollow section of Bridgeport and could be found playing ball in the streets with his friends and family, especially his closely aged cousins Bobby and Tommy Bucci. He attended St. Joseph Catholic School, Fairfield Preparatory, and Notre Dame of Fairfield. He furthered his education at Sacred Heart and the University of Bridgeport. It was around this time that his parents, Judge and Grace Testo, purchased a summer home in Laurel Beach, Milford, CT where his family and friends would swim, fish, boat and create lasting summertime memories. His bond with his Bridgeport and Laurel Beach buddies was so strong and important to him, and that didn’t change until he fell in love with his future wife. She was an olive skin beauty from Italy that many have said resembled Sophia Lauren. Her name was Raffaela (Lena), and it was love at first sight, as their life adventure would begin when they married in the Summer of 1969.
Bob began his career in construction working alongside his Milford friends, Bob Harrington Sr. and John Healey. His career took a significant turn in 1975 when he was appointed by Bridgeport Mayor John C. Mandanici as the Director of the Office of Policy and Management. His entrepreneurial spirit and love of sports gleamed in 1978 when he co-founded the Bridgeport Buccaneers Semi-Pro Football Team with his brothers, Chris and Vincent Testo, and his good friend Attorney Joseph Mirsky.
He returned to the construction industry in the early 80’s building multi-family homes in the North End of Bridgeport and Stratford, CT. By 1983, Bob and Lena moved the family from Bridgeport to Anchor Beach in Milford, CT. They enjoyed watching the sun rise and set over the Long Island Sound, and their children as they lived the salt-life, swimming, fishing, and boating throughout the long summer days. They hosted legendary beach barbecues on the summer holidays and on Sundays there was always an extra chair at the dining room table for an impromptu visit by a friend to enjoy one of Lena’s Italian dinners.
The following decade, Bob transitioned into real estate, working as a broker and appraiser until his retirement. Even in retirement, he continued to engage actively, working as a security officer for the New York Yankees and later at the home of George and Elizabeth Steinbrenner in Tampa. After the Yankees won the 2009 World Series, and on the same day his cancer doctor informed him that his cancer was in remission, the Yankees called Bob and told him that he would be receiving an authentic World Series Championship Ring with “Testo” engraved on it. Bob declared that this was one of his greatest days” a new lease on life and a World Series Ring, how about that!”
Bob was a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees and the New York Football Giants, a passion that extended into his hobbies which included attending games with his family, fishing with his grandkids, enjoying Sunday dinners and parties, and savoring the authentic Italian cooking of his loving and supportive wife, Lena.
He was a man of strong character, genuine, kind-hearted, and fun-loving. He had a passion for politics and a deep loyalty to his family and friends. If you needed him, he would have your back! His honest and welcoming nature made him loved by all who knew him.
Bob is survived by his wife, Lena; children, Robert III, Sandra, Andrew, and Kyle; children-in-law, Jennifer, Brendan, and Hallie; grandchildren, Robert IV, Lexi, Keaton, Andrew Jr., Stella, and Victoria; siblings, Christopher, Mildred, Mary, Vincent, Roz, Laura, Mona, Donna, and Diana. He was preceded in death by his parents, Judge Robert J. Testo Sr and Grace Testo; brothers, Raymond Testo Sr. and George Testo; and granddaughter, Katelyn Michaud.
Bob’s life was a testament to his ability to touch the lives of many, leaving a legacy of love and lifetime family memories. His memory will be cherished and kept alive by the many lives he impacted.
Services in New Port Richey, FL: Monday 9/23/2024
11:00 am St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 8320 Old County Rd 54, New Port Richey, FL 34653, (727) 372-8600
12:30 pm Trinity Memorial Gardens, 12609 Memorial Dr, Trinity, FL 34655, (727) 203-4055, followed by a reception in Magnolia Hall from 1-3 pm
Bob’s obituary speaks for itself. A great man!